Q&A with Peter Levy
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Q&A
Q&A with Peter Levy
A partner with Mandelbaum Barrett P.C., in New Jersey, Peter Levy chairs the firm’s Life Science and Emerging Technology Practices. As the former CEO of a pharmaceutical company, Levy brings a wealth of knowledge of FDA regulatory matters, clinical trials, software as a medical device (SAMD), and wholesale drug pricing. He has handled major transactions with Johnson & Johnson, Celgene, and Pfizer.
Levy’s transactional and commercial practice has included some of the world’s most prominent entrepreneurs, multi-generational family businesses, and Fortune 500 companies. A graduate of Harvard University, Levy also has spearheaded complex transactions involving RR Donnelly, AT&T, Hewlett Packard, as well as serving as both the advisor and attorney on the sale of closely-held businesses with sales approaching $500 million. In addition, he has served as legal counsel for the first affinity credit card, managing the largest credit card launch in U.S. history.
Q: Before becoming an attorney, what was your first job?
A: In high school I did marketing for a cable TV company; in college, my summers were spent as a camp counselor.
Q: What motivated you to pursue a legal career?
A: I am proud to say my grandfather, and my father, both were attorneys. These are the two men I respected and admired most in my lifetime.
Q: Who was your chief mentor and how did he or she influence your career?
A: I have been fortunate to have a few great mentors in my lifetime. Both of my parents were amazing role models for me; their actions always embraced honesty, hard work, and treating people with kindness.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: “Pray as though everything depends upon God but act as though everything depends upon you.”
Peter Levy and Melody Lins, an associate at Mandelbaum Barrett, at the Primerus International Summit in Washington, D.C last April.
Peter Levy
Q: What is one thing you would like to learn to do?
A: Play golf; study Japanese; and learn to be patient.
Q: What is your proudest career achievement?
A: As a businessperson, I was very proud to lead a start-up pharmaceutical company from infancy to NASDAQ; as an attorney, I was very proud to become an equity partner at Mandelbaum Barrett.
Q: What other career path might you have chosen?
A: I would like to teach high school English or history.
Q: What is your happiest childhood memory?
A: Playing ball every afternoon with the kids in the neighborhood – we went from basketball to baseball to football with a passion.
Q: What is your favorite movie and book?
A: Movie: “GoodFellas.” Book: “The Last of the Just,” by Andre Schwartz-Bart
Q: What is the most awe-inspiring place you have visited?
A: Without question, Camp ASCCA, the flagship facility in rural Alabama for people with disabilities. Miracles occur there daily. I kid you not.
Q: What are your favorite leisure time pursuits?
A: Family holidays; tailgating at a Giants game; Broadway shows; chili cook-offs; watching Elvis impersonators; flea markets.
Q: What is your favorite famous or inspirational quote?
A: “This too shall pass.”
Q: Who is on your guest list for the ideal dinner party?
A: George Carlin; Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley; Babe Ruth; Winston Churchill; Golda Meir; and my wife.